I never knew what a true hero Mr. Neal was! He was simply the coolest dude in Rochester and an artist. His wife, Freddy, was our Spanish teacher and Lobis was grades ahead of me and way too cool to talk to folk like me 🙂 I am sad to realize that I never met their other children, or kept up with anyone from Rochester. I will never forget how nice he was when I would watch him paint the window of the Mercantile occasionally. I remember the awe with which I walked past your house... because he was a real Artist! My grandparents were from Rochester, and my family of Husa's participated in the Swede Day Affairs as well.  Mr. Neal always smiled and said hello to me and Mrs. Neal told inspiring stories of hope. God bless Mr. Neal's van. His grandchildren and greatgrandchildren should be extremely proud to have come from this legacy. It is an honor to have pieces of my personal scholarly journey intertwining with legendary breakers of the status quo.

Mrs. Neal, I'm so sorry for your loss.  You're husband contributed so much to so many.

I was one of the many art students of Mr. Neal back in 1968. I remember that he had a fondness for Buddy Miles and played "Them Changes" on the stereo during class - great memories! I am listening to it as I write this - thanks Mr. Neal!

Bob was a shining light from God..humble, yet regal..classy, yet down to earth...he could "school ya" without being preachy...he could make you laugh without being dirty...and the "stories" !!!  Thank you God, for giving us Bob....jimmy....

Sorry to hear of Bob's passing.  He was one of the good guys.

Mr. Neal was my art teacher at Jefferson Jr. High in the 60's.  He was a favorite with most.  That was back in the day that Mr. Batdorf was the music teacher.  What a crew.   I'm glad to know that he lived such a full life.  I have very fond memories of him.

Bob was a friend and colleague at the State Capitol Museum, Olympia.  We worked together on museum exhibits, Olympia Art League shows and a number of other projects.  After moving onto other projects Bob would come for visits, a big smile on his face for friends, and a pocket full of stories.  Long after Bob left the Museum I would see his iconic signature on exhibit props he had painted.

My thoughts go out to Freddie and Bob's family and friends.  Reading Bob's obituary and seeing a story on the life and work of Lou Bellamy, playright and director, I realized in his own way Bob was the Lou Bellamy of Lewis and Thurston Counties. 

Derek Valley

My heart goes out to you Freddie and the whole Neal family. Every time I saw Bob he always had that great big smile and was cracking a joke about one thing or another! His paintings around the holidays on the windows around town use to always amaze me of his talent. He will always paint you a picture in the clouds so always be looking for it and know he has just gone on ahead to prepare the perfect place for all of you when it's your time! My prayers are with all of you during this very sad loss. Big hugs!

Bob assisted my Girl Scout troop many years putting together food baskets for the Rochester area families. He was a great friend and looked forward to his visits when I worked at the auto parts store in Rochester as well as seeing him around town. He always had a smile and hug for anyone. He will be greatly missed. He was truly a one of a kind. My heart and prayers are with his family.

Freddie, my daughter Cindy just told me about Bob's passing. His wonderful smile will be missed by everyone. Know that I love you and have so many dear memories of you both. My prayers are with you and all the family. Miss you.

He was my teacher at Jefferson. He taught more than art, he taught integrity, truth, and character. I have thought of him many times over the past 45 years. I can picture him smiling and dancing his way to heaven. I am sorry for your family's loss.

My sympathy goes out to Freddie and the family of Bob Neal.  He was a great guy and always responded to me with friendship, a great big smile and an infectious laugh.  He will be missed. God bless.  Jim Vosper

I am saddened to read of Bob's death.  When we taught together for six years at Jefferson, he was one of the fellow teachers who cared about what he was doing and made time in the faculty room during our "planning periods" enjoyable.

Dan Glenn

OBITUARY

Robert Leon Neal

February 1, 1927 – December 15, 2011

Sticklin-Brown Funeral Chapel

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services